Bible Minute

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 25, 2009
Topic: Jesus, Salvation, Heaven


The King of Kings

Are you familiar with these names/titles of Jesus? The Christ, the Messiah, the baby in the manger, Immanuel, the man of Galilee, the Lamb of God, Rabbi, Teacher, Savior, Lord. (Many other names/titles are recorded in Scripture.) These names help us better understand who Jesus is. But there is one description that is beyond our comprehension: King of kings and Lord of lords. Let's see how Scripture applies this title to Jesus.

What Does God Say?

"Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords" (Revelation 19:11-16, NLT).

   1. In the preceding verses, who is riding the white horse?
   2. What were His eyes like?
   3. What was on His head?
   4. How was He dressed?
   5. What was coming from His mouth?
   6. What title was written on His robe?

My Thoughts

There is only one word that comes to my mind after reading those verses: awesome--well, maybe two words: absolutely awesome.

    * What words does this passage trigger in your mind?
    * Have you ever used those words in connection with Jesus?
    * Could those words apply to anyone else living or dead?

"Then everyone--the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person--all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?'" (Revelation 6:15-17, NLT).

   1. Who is speaking in these verses?
   2. Who will be able to stand in that great day of wrath? (Hint: Read "My Part").
   3. What words does this passage bring to your mind?

My Part

Facing God and eternity without Jesus as Savior will be unbelievably terrifying. But Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords wants you to know that God loves you and has--at great cost--provided a way for you to be rescued from the terror of eternal judgment.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

"There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son" (John 3:16-18, NLT).

The consequences are already fixed in eternity, but the choice is yours. Choose Jesus today.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 26, 2009
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Forever with You

A German proverb says, "Long is not forever." Diamonds may last long, but they are not forever. The Postal Service's "Forever" stamps may be around for quite awhile, but the price will continue to rise, and they are not forever. Political speeches can be unbearably long, but they only seem like they are forever.

Only God can promise something will last forever--because He is forever. Only God can speak of what was before creation because He alone was there even before the angels. Only God can give us life that is everlasting, because no other possesses eternal life to share.

And that is why the words of Christ in Revelation 1:17-18 (ESV) are so comforting to believers: "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."

What Does God Say?

One of God's attributes or characteristics is "eternality." In the same way that He is holy and everywhere present and all-powerful, He is also eternal. Moses says it beautifully in Psalm 90:2 (ESV)

"Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

You'll find that the writer of Hebrews says the same about Christ, the Son of God, in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Christ was there "yesterday" in eternity for you before you were ever born. Look at some Bible passages that speak of things Christ has done for you in the past. Write down what you discover.

    * John 1:3 & Colossians 1:16. What do you find in these two verses that Christ was doing in eternity past?
    * Romans 5:6-8. In the past, what did Christ do for you? What does that show about God's attitude toward you?
    * 1 Peter 3:18. What did Christ's one-time suffering for sins accomplish for you personally?
    * 1 John 3:8. In this verse, what additional reason is given for Christ's appearing?

Christ is here for you today. Consider some things He is doing for you in the present.

    * John 14:1-3. What does Jesus say He is preparing for believers right now? Why is He doing it?
    * Hebrews 4:14-16. What present work of Jesus is spoken of in this passage? What does that mean for you now? Compare Romans 8:34to see one of His ministries for you.

Christ will be there for you forever. What do you discover in the following scriptures that He will be doing for you in the future?

    * 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. What promise should Christ's followers be looking for in the future?
    * Revelation 21:3-4. In the eternal future, what relationship will you as a believer have with God?

My Thoughts

God's eternal plan includes His gracious intent to be present forever with His redeemed creation. Christ will always be with you from the moment you trust Him as your Savior and on throughout eternity. Here are a few references confirming His desire to fellowship with you today and forever. Look them up and jot down your response to the questions.

    * In Matthew 1:23, what does the name "Immanuel" foretell about Jesus' future relationship to His people?
    * In Jesus' prayer (John 17:24) what does He ask the Father to grant for you?
    * Count the number of times the word "with" appears in Ephesians 2:5-7. What things does it say God has done for us "with" Christ?

My Part

Much has been said about "practicing the presence of Christ." Sure, if you are a Christian, you should know that you'll dwell with Him and He will be your God in the future, but are you consciously living in His presence today? He is there, whether you are recognizing Him or not, but today try to think deliberately about how He is with you in everything you do. Then live in a way that shows you know He is standing there beside you and wants to be with you.

Jesus told Judas (not Iscariot) in John 14:23 (ESV), "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 27, 2009
Topic: Other


People Get Ready

As I write this, it is early afternoon the last day of the month. In my car is a postcard from the State Department of Motor Vehicles telling me I need to renew the license on my car. As of now, I have three hours to get it done. Just this morning I told my boss I would have to leave a couple hours early today to get to the DMV on time.

I've had plenty of time to license my car. With a little bit of planning, I might have been able to work ahead a bit and take a whole day off instead of just an hour or two. (I won't mention that the deadline for this Bible study is today!)

As much as my procrastination annoys and frustrates me (and others!), I'm thankful that God lets it bug me because there's a very important inflexible deadline coming up that I want to be ready for.

What Does God Say?

Matthew 25 describes this future "deadline": "'When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats'" (Matthew 25:31-32, ESV).

In verses 35-36, Jesus tells us the criteria He uses in separating the sheep from the goats. The sheep:

    * gave Him food when He was hungry
    * gave Him drink when He was thirsty
    * welcomed Him when He was a stranger
    * clothed Him when He had no clothes
    * visited Him when He was sick
    * came to Him when He was in prison.

The goats did none of these things (vv. 42-43). But here's the important part: Both groups were surprised at God's judgment!

   1. What does the surprise of the sheep reveal about their hearts?
   2. What does the surprise of the goats reveal about their hearts?

That day of judgment hasn't come yet, but it will. When it does, it will be too late to ask for any second chances. There will be no bargaining with God and no extensions given.

    * In light of this, why do you think God has chosen not to tell us when He will return?

My Thoughts

Do you live each day as if it were your last? When many people ask that question, they're wondering if you're embracing every opportunity each day provides. For the Christian, that question carries an extra dimension. Are you embracing the opportunities to serve that God brings your way? What if God were to return today? What would He find you doing?

My Part

As you read about the sheep and the goats, be careful not to get the impression that salvation is based on works alone--it's not. Salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ--our works have nothing to do with it. See Ephesians 2:8-9 for Paul's emphatic statement about this. But while you're there, read the next verse too: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10, ESV).

If you've accepted Christ into your life, congratulations, you've made the most important decision you'll ever make--you will be one of the sheep on the final day. But don't let it stop there. Seek out new ways each day to express your love and commitment to God.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 28, 2009
Topic: Second Coming/Rapture/End Times


Jesus Is Coming

Most of us have received a variety of invitations: Come to dinner. Come to my party. Come to my wedding. The majority of these we gladly accept. We get cleaned up, put on special clothes and go enjoy the fellowship of those who invited us. In a few cases, we have to regretfully (or not) decline.

But the most special invitation we'll ever get is found at the end of the Book of Revelation. Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

"The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price (Revelation 22:17, ESV).

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20, ESV).

    * Who extends this invitation?
    * To whom is this invitation offered?
    * What makes this invitation so urgent?

My Thoughts

If there ever was an invitation you don't want to decline, this is it. It is an invitation to eternal life. Jesus says in John 7:37, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink."

This invitation is extended to those who need it the most--those who are thirsty for the waters of life. Jesus tells the woman at the well, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:13-14 ).

My Part

If you have drunk of the waters the world has to offer and come away still thirsty, this invitation is for you. But it is an invitation that has a closing date. Jesus says, "Surely I am coming soon." And when that happens, the invitation is over.

Don't wait to respond to God's invitation. Come, just as you are, and accept His offer to receive eternal life.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Aug 31, 2009
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


Forgiveness That Frees

In Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the ghost of Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge's departed business partner, comes to him in the dark of night, rattling the chains that bind him. Dickens writes:

"'You are fettered,' said Scrooge, trembling.'Tell me why?'"

"'I wear the chain I forged in life,' replied the Ghost. 'I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. Is its pattern strange to you?'"

Marley's ghost is fiction, but Marley's statement is miserably true for many Christians who choose not to forgive persons who have wronged them. Rather than enjoying the freedom that Christ promised--"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36, ESV)--they choose to continue forging the links of an unforgiving spirit that embitters their lives and binds them from building biblical relationships.

Do you have a problem with forgiving others when they have hurt you? Let's look at some biblical teaching on this subject today.

What Does God Say?

Here are some Scripture references that relate to forgiveness:

Mark 11:25.

    * If you are to forgive a person while you are praying, to whom would you first be expressing your forgiveness?

Colossians 3:12-17.

    * What example are you to follow in forgiving others? How does forgiving or not forgiving others affect the various relationships spoken of in verses 14-17?

My Thoughts

If a person wrongs you, which of the following actions would be true forgiveness on your part?

    * Just ask God to forgive them for their wrong and let Him do the forgiving.
    * Don't do anything about it. Bear the pain.
    * Let the offender know that you are hurt and that he or she needs to ask your forgiveness.
    * Forget it. Put it out of your mind entirely. "Forgive and forget."

Answer? None of the above is biblical forgiveness and none of those actions or inactions will release you from the pain caused by the offense.

Then, how should you forgive those who have hurt you? Look at Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV) "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

That passage gives you a pattern for how you are to forgive someone. Whose forgiveness is your model? How does God forgive? An example of how He forgives can be seen in Psalm 32:5 (NASB), where David confesses his sin to God. The last part of the verse says, "You forgave the guilt of my sin." It does not say God forgot the event of David's transgression, but that He forgave the guilt. In Christ, God forgives your sins and no longer charges them against you. He does not forget the events, but He puts away the guilt.

You are to forgive others in the same manner that God has forgiven you--canceling the debt, giving up any claim you may have to get even and by an act of your will, releasing them. You can do that at any time, without waiting for an apology that you may never get. Forgiveness is your choice. You may not forget the event, but you will be free from the bondage of unforgiveness and even the event may begin to fade from your mind.

My Part

Are you struggling in your spiritual life because you are not forgiving someone? You can handle that problem right now. Go to the Lord and tell Him that you forgive the offender--that from this moment on you are setting the person or persons free from the debts they owe you and that you are making the choice to give up any claim to punish or get even with them. You are not asking God to forgive them; you are telling God that you have determined to forgive them.

As the old saying goes, "Why be a drudge to a grudge, when you can forgive and live."

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 1, 2009
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


The Value of Forgiving

As the cemetery workers began to shovel dirt over the coffin, Jake stood by the grave, realizing that this would be the last remembrance he would have of his brother.

Remorse clouded Jake's thoughts while he walked to his car. Words of forgiveness that he had been unwilling to speak over the past 23 years would now have to remain unspoken. He had never forgiven his brother for causing the accident that had taken their mother. Jake asked himself, Why? Why did I remain silent?

Yes. Why? Why do you and I find it so difficult to forgive? And is forgiving others really necessary?

What Does God Say?

There are several potential roadblocks on the path to forgiving someone who has wronged you.

    * Pride is one. When someone injures your pride by putting you down or embarrassing you, it is often difficult for you to forgive that person. Having your pride hurt, however, is never a valid excuse for not forgiving the offender. Read Proverbs 11:2. What follows pride? What follows humility?

    * Fear is another. The necessity for you to forgive a person usually arises out of a situation that is uncomfortable to talk about. That makes it somewhat scary to even bring up the subject. But God can take care of that fear as you go in faith to tell the person that you forgive him or her. Read Psalm 56:3-4,11. How should a believer face fear?

    * Anger may prevent you from forgiving. The offense made you angry and you keep on nursing your anger instead of choosing the freedom forgiveness gives you. What does the Bible say in Ephesians 4:26 about harboring anger? What does Ecclesiastes 7:9 tell you about anger?

    * Doubt that it will do any good to forgive the offender. What's the use? He'll just do the same thing again. Forgiving doesn't mean that the other person will change or that you approve of his or her actions. Read Matthew 18:21-22. Does Jesus say your forgiveness depends on the attitude of the offender? What do you think Jesus intended by saying "seventy times seven"?

My Thoughts

If there are excuses for not forgiving, the Bible gives plenty of reasons you should forgive. In the following verses, what reasons can you find?

    * Colossians 3:13
    * Ephesians 4:32
    * Mark 11:25
    * Matthew 6:14

Forgiveness is an act of kindness. It is Christ-like. It keeps the lines open for communion with God and is a condition for your fellowship with Him. It sets you free. Forgiveness is necessary for right relationships with others. It is wise!

My Part

Do you need to forgive someone? Ask God to bring them to your mind right now. What has blocked you from forgiving them? Make a choice today to take care of the matter in the proper way. Pray that God will give you the courage and strength to take your forgiveness to the one who has hurt you.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 2, 2009
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


No More Excuses

Someone defined an excuse as "The skin of a truth stuffed with a lie." That is, an excuse has the outward appearance of being true, but behind that appearance is nothing but a falsehood.

This holds true when we make excuses about forgiveness. And one of the most common ones is this: That happened before I was saved. Does God hold you responsible for the actions you committed before you were saved? Let's see what His Word says.

What Does God Say?

He entered Jericho and was passing through.

And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich.

Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.

So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way.

When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, "Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house."

 And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly.

 When they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, "He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner."

Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much."

And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham." (Luke 19:1-9 NASB).

    * What three facts are we told about Zaccheus?
    * What demonstrated Zaccheus' interest in Jesus?
    * How did the crowds respond?
    * How did Zaccheus demonstrate his sincerity?

My Thoughts

The Romans gave the job of tax collecting to the highest bidder. The tax collector was then free to recoup his expenses plus as much over that as he could. As a tax collector (and a chief tax collector to boot) Zaccheus probably had cut more than his fair share of shady deals. And more than once, he probably collected more than was legitimately owed.

It would have been easy for Zaccheus to say, "I'm a changed man. I'm not the same man I used to be." (Which was true.) "I'm not liable for anything wrong I did in the past." But he didn't. Instead he took responsibility for his past actions and offered to make restitution for them.

But what about 2 Corinthians 5:17? This verse says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. " ( NASB) Doesn't this release me from the sins of the past? While it releases you from the penalty of past sins, your transformation doesn't release you from the responsibilities created by those actions. Our new relationship with Christ changes the future, but it doesn't change the past.

My Part

Is there a past sin that needs to be made right? Maybe it's something you did before you became a Christian. While it's understandable that your moral standards were different back then, you still need to take responsibility for your actions. Ask God how you can make restitution for the things you've done wrong--then do it.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 3, 2009
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


Asking for Forgiveness

Asking for forgiveness is difficult. But if you've wronged someone, then it's necessary. In fact, in Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus tells us that seeking forgiveness ought to be a priority. "If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (ESV).

So, what's the correct way to go about seeking forgiveness? Here are seven steps to guide you.

What Does God Say?

1) Start with God and confess your sin to Him. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (ESV). Start by seeking forgiveness from God.

2) Get a right perspective. Forgiveness is about canceling a debt. If your friend or neighbor chooses not to forgive, that's their business. But it starts with you.

3) Take responsibility. Forgiveness is never one-sided. Never expect the other person to share in the blame. This is about dealing with your own guilt.

4) Keep short accounts. I can say from personal experience that the longer you let a matter stand, the harder it is to confront it. Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians, "Do not let the sun go down on your anger" (4:26, ESV). In other words, keep short accounts. Deal with all of the little things every day, so the little things don't become big things.

5) Maintain small circles. The scope of your sin should determine the scope of your confession. If it's a private sin between you and God, keep the confession between you and God. If you've wronged your spouse, confess your sin to God and to your spouse. No one else needs to be involved.

6) Make confession personal. Phone calls and emails are no substitute for an honest, heartfelt, face-to-face apology.

7) Finally, make amends. If you've taken something from someone, return it. If it can't be returned, provide the equivalent.

My Thoughts

Has anything popped into your mind as you've read this?

Have you remembered any situation that you need to set right?

Are you waiting for the other person involved to make the first move, or are you willing to make that move?

My Part

Are there any unresolved issues in your life? Make a plan this week to set things right. It might seem like a small and insignificant matter, but if it's big enough to weigh on your mind, it's big enough to set right. Remember, first confess to God and trust Him for the strength and the grace you need as you seek reconciliation.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 4, 2009
Topic: Forgiveness/Unforgiveness


Benefits of Forgiveness

So, you know you're supposed to forgive others, but do you ever wonder what's in it for you? How will you benefit, if and when, you forgive? Let's look at seven benefits of forgiveness.

What Does God Say?

First, forgiveness puts you in a right relationship with God. First John 4:20 tells us, "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen" (ESV). You can't have it both ways; loving God means loving others which includes granting and seeking forgiveness.

Second, forgiving others removes any roadblocks to your prayers. "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:25, ESV).

Third, it ensures that God forgives you. In Matthew 6, Jesus taught forgiveness as part of prayer, " and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors....For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (6:12, 14-15, ESV). When God has forgiven you of so much, why shouldn't He expect you to forgive others as generously?

A fourth benefit is found indirectly in 1 Timothy 1:5, "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (ESV). Real love comes from a good conscience; it means you've taken care of business with God. There is no barrier between you and Him. Nothing makes you feel guilty or ashamed to approach Him. Having real love means you forgive when you should and ask Him for forgiveness when it's necessary to do that.

Several of these benefits affect your relationship with others.

First, you experience reconciliation. You're at peace with others. "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother" (Matthew 18:15, ESV).

Secondly, it removes the bitterness which develops when you hold onto hurt or anger and refuse to forgive. "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32, ESV).

Lastly, forgiveness leads to personal spiritual revival; it energizes your spiritual walk. And it can do the same in your church too. This is why the New Testament instructions to the churches and believers emphasize forgiving others.

My Thoughts

    * Which of these benefits have you experienced?
    * Where do you struggle with forgiveness?
    * How has a lack of forgiveness impacted your relationship with God lately? With other people?
    * Has bitterness set in? What are you doing about it?
    * Which of the benefits discussed above do you find motivates you the most to do something about unforgiveness in your life?

My Part

It's nice to know you'll get something good out of becoming a person who forgives and seeks forgiveness. But it'll take more than knowledge. What steps can you take today to become that person?

Maybe you need to pick up the phone and call a friend to seek reconciliation. Or maybe you need to have a conversation with God first. Maybe it'll mean releasing the hurt and anger you carry; ask Him to handle it instead of holding onto it yourself and letting it become bitterness. Think it through; jot down the steps you need to take...then start with the first one and keep going. Ask for the Holy Spirit's help and the grace to enjoy the benefits of forgiveness.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 7, 2009
Topic: Bible Characters, Faith/Trust


Eve

Mrs. Obama is often introduced as the "First Lady of the United States." What a title! To be first is almost always special. What about the first woman created? Not only was Eve the first female God made, she was also the first wife and the first mother. She is even given the title "Mother of All the Living."

What Does God Say?

Eve is mentioned by name in only two chapters of the Old Testament:

"Then the man--Adam--named his wife Eve, because she would be the mother of all who live" (Genesis 3:20, NLT).

"Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, "With the Lord's help, I have produced a man!" (Genesis 4:1, NLT).

She is also mentioned by name in two chapters in the New Testament:

"For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result (1 Timothy 2:13-14, NLT).

"But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent" (2 Corinthians 11:3, NLT).

Eve is remembered most because--and this is another first--she was the first person to sin. She sinned when she doubted God and believed the serpents' lie: "You won't die!" (Genesis 3:4, NLT).

    * Who was the first person God created?
    * What name did he give the female God created?
    * Why did he name her that name?
    * Who did the serpent deceive?
    * What should you be cautious about according to 2 Corinthians 11:3?

My Thoughts

Make a list of the times that you, like Eve, doubted God or acted in a way that indicated you did not really believe what God said.

What do the following Scriptures tell you about believing God?

"Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true" (Romans 3:4, NLT).

"Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he" (Deuteronomy 32:3-4, KJV).

Now, write down at least two occasions when you personally experienced that what God said was true.

My Part

Right now, why not commit your life to trusting and living out God's truth. You can do that if you trust Him.

"For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does" (Psalm 33:4, NLT).

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 8, 2009
Topic: Doubt/Fear, Bible Characters, Faith/Trust


Flawed but Faithful

Have you ever noticed the Bible doesn't glamorize the people in its pages? It's honest about the character, actions, fears and flaws of the men and women God worked with and through. It can be reassuring to see people, just like us, be called faithful and beloved by God.

What Does God Say?

Take Sarah, the wife of Abraham, the patriarch and "friend of God." Genesis 11 provides a short biographical sketch on Abraham and a bit of crucial information on Sarah. "But Sarai was unable to become pregnant and had no children" (verse 30, NLT). So, when God promised Abraham that he would be the father of "a great nation" (12:2), it meant God would have to deal with Sarah's inability to have a child.

This is where we see Sarah struggle to trust God's promises. As she grew older and the reality of ever becoming pregnant looked impossible, Sarah had trouble believing God. In Genesis 16, Sarah offered her own solution to "help" God keep His promise. She gave her maid Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate wife/mother. But when Hagar had a baby, Sarah became jealous and angry.

However, God still had plans for this unhappy woman. In Genesis 17, God again makes a covenant with Abraham that would include a child and a nation. And He makes it clear that Sarah will be the mother. "And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants" (Genesis 7:16, NLT, emphasis added). Just as God chose Abraham, He also chose Sarah--doubting, frustrated, skeptical Sarah. (Sarah who was caught laughing in disbelief when the promised pregnancy was predicted in Genesis 18:9-15). God was very clear about His choice; He even protected Sarah in the house of Abimelech (see Genesis 20), so there would be no question that the baby Sarah conceived was Abraham's child.

Sarah learned that God does keep His promises. "The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. And Abraham named their son Isaac" (Genesis 21:1-3, NLT). And Sarah's response? "And Sarah declared, 'God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!'" (21:6-7, NLT).

Was Sarah perfect from then on? No, her problems with Hagar and Ishmael led to some unkind, drastic actions (Genesis 21). But despite her jealousy and anger, Sarah came to understand this: God is faithful. That's how she is remembered in Hebrews 11:11-12, "It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep His promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead" (NLT). Because of faith, Sarah joined Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah and all the others listed in Hebrews 11 as people commended by God.
My Thoughts

Hebrews 11:1, says "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" ( ESV). It's not a cross-your-fingers, wish-really-hard sort of hope but a confidence that God will do what He says, that He keeps His promises. For Abraham and Sarah that meant believing God would give the child He promised. Because of that confident belief--faith--they "earned a good reputation" (Hebrews 11:2, NLT).

    * Would you describe your faith as a confident belief in God to do what He's said?
    * Is your focus on God to deliver His promises to you or have you tried to help it along, like Sarah with Hagar?
    * What are some of your roadblocks to a properly focused faith? Jealousy? Anger? Frustration? Disappointment? Wrong desires?
    * What in Sarah's story encourages you to go on in faith?

My Part

Faith is rooted in and made possible because of God's character. He is faithful--always, in every way and forever. Put your faith in the only One who can be trusted fully and absolutely. Look up these verses (or do your own search) and jot down ways God's faithfulness can influence your faith in Him.

Hebrews 10:23 1
Thessalonians 5:24
Deuteronomy 32:4
Psalm 136
1 Corinthians 1:8-9
1 Corinthians 10:12-14

Keep your findings handy to lift your faith when you're struggling to believe.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 9, 2009
Topic: God's Care



God's POV

Suppose you set out to write a novel or a movie script. One of your concerns will be the "POV," or point of view from which you plan to tell your story. Are you going to write it from the viewpoint of the hero? The villain? Yourself? The movie audience? Or will it be seen through the eyes of some other person? If the POV is hazy, the story will never succeed! You can be sure your book will never become the next "Great American Novel"!

One of the most amazing qualities of the Bible is that it presents life not simply through the eyes of the human writers, but also from the viewpoint of God, who inspired it all. Thus, when you read the Bible, though you often encounter the dark and dreary side of human life, at the same time your mind is transported beyond man's point of view into the very viewpoint of God, who sees the end from the beginning. God knows all (the big word is omniscient), and you have the privilege of seeing much from His perspective.

Let's look at a Bible passage that demonstrates how God is always working out His plan behind the curtain of human suffering, and how He sometimes gives you glimpses from His viewpoint.

What Does God Say?

In the first chapter of Exodus, you read of the Israelites in Egypt. They had been living comfortably for centuries, in fact, since the time of Joseph. But a king (pharaoh) came to power who felt threatened by their growing population. Read what he did in Exodus 1:8-14.

    * What did the king fear would happen if the Israelites were allowed to multiply (Exodus 1:9-10)?
    * What was the king's solution (Exodus 1:11, 13-14)?
    * How well did his strategy succeed (Exodus 1:12)?

Now, read about how the king adds to Israel's woes in Exodus 1:15-22.

    * Who are Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15)?
    * What was Pharoah's new plan of attack (Exodus 1:16)?
    * Why did this plan not succeed (Exodus 1:17-22)?

As the years went by, the Israelites continued to suffer oppression. From their point of view, there seemed to be no ray of hope. But what was God seeing? Read Exodus 2:23-25.

    * What did God remember from centuries before (Exodus 2:24)? See Genesis 15:13-14!
    * What was happening from God's viewpoint that the sons of Israel couldn't see (Exodus 2:25)?

My Thoughts

Psalm 139:16 (ESV) says:

"Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there were none of them."

God knows everything there is to know about you. He cannot be surprised by anything in your life. Every warning He gives comes from His ability to see the future. He is able to give comfort in every devastating circumstance because from His viewpoint He sees not only what is happening but also what good will come from things you can't understand. The fact that God sees all is also a warning to all who think they can escape His eyes or ignore His judgment.

My Part

God gave us the Bible and even became a human being because He wanted to reveal all that you need to know for fellowship with Him to be restored.

Tell the Lord, "Thank You!" for not leaving you in the darkness and hopelessness of sin. Thank Him for sharing His viewpoint. Jot down some things you see in the Bible that you could not possibly have known if He had not spoken.

Memorize this verse: Isaiah 25:1 (ESV)

O Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
plans formed of old, faithful and sure.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 10, 2009
Topic: Bible Characters


Rebekah

Here's a classic puzzle: Is it right for a man to steal bread? What if the bread is for his starving family? What if he steals the bread from another starving family? What if that other family had stolen the bread intending to sell it and make a profit?

Let's look at another situation; this one is from the Bible.

What Does God Say?

In Genesis 27, Rebekah overheard her husband Isaac plan to give a blessing to their older son, Esau. Rebekah loved her younger son, Jacob, more; and so she hatched her own plan. To Jacob she said, "Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats....And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies" (vv. 9-10, ESV). To pull this plan off, though, Jacob would have to cover himself in animal skins to convince his blind father that he was, in fact, Esau.

It's hard to find fault with Rebekah. After all, when she was pregnant with twins, Jacob and Esau, God reassured her that, "'the older shall serve the younger'" (25:23, ESV). She saw an opportunity to seize a blessing for Jacob, and she took it. But was it right?

Didn't things work out for Jacob in spite of the fact that he and his mother deceived his father? After all, he became the father of twelve sons who became the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel. But the question is, "Was it right?" not, "Did everything turn out right?"

Was it right for Rebekah to plot to deceive her husband and seize a blessing--a blessing already promised by God--for her son? No, it wasn't. So, why did it turn out fine?

God didn't bless the mistake or sin itself: Jacob paid the consequences by never seeing his father or mother again; Rebekah never saw Jacob again. But God weaves even our wrong decisions into the foundation of our lives in such a way that His ultimate purpose for us is attained.

We'll look into that in the next section.

My Thoughts

Grab a Bible and read Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (NLT). In the end, it's God who's in control of this world; not you, not me, not Rebekah or Jacob--and God will fulfill His will on this earth whether we stand with Him or against Him. That is why the last half of this verse is, "the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose" (paraphrase).

    * If you knew for certain that something positive would happen as a result of your sin, would it be right to sin? Why or why not?
    * How might you answer someone who claims that God wanted Adam and Eve to sin so that He could bring redemption through Jesus?

My Part

This is one of those topics that can make your head spin after awhile. The reason is that we like to create complex hypothetical situations like the one in the first paragraph--situations we will never encounter. So, what will you do the next time you face an actual situation that requires this kind of moral judgment? I like to fall back on this verse in those times: "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin" (James 4:17, ESV). In other words, it is never right to do wrong.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 11, 2009
Topic: Love, Bible Characters, God's Love


Leah

Unconditional love. Will we ever find it? The Bible tells us there is a place where that kind of love can be experienced--a love that is unselfish, unbroken, unconditional and unlimited.

Leah was a woman who was unloved (or loved less) by her husband, Jacob. Scripture says, " Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance" (Genesis 29:17, ESV). Jacob's love was conditional; it focused on outward beauty. Leah, however, experienced a love that was unconditional--and it came from God.

Perhaps you are in a loveless relationship. Maybe there's a parent or spouse who doesn't feel you worthy of his or her love. The good news is you can experience God's unconditional love. Let's see what that love is like.

What Does God Say?

"The Lord [said]...I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you" (Jeremiah 31:3, ESV).

"This is real love--not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10, NLT),

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved") (Ephesians 2:4-5, NASB-U).

Write down how God's kind of love touches your heart.

My Thoughts

Human love (or the lack of it) often brings great pain, sadness, loneliness and heartache. God's love brings healing to such wounds and His grace to our lives.

For Leah, God brought love and grace into her life through the gift of children. He gave her six sons (Genesis 35:23) and at least one daughter, Dinah (Genesis 34:1).

God extends this unconditional love not only to unloved spouses, but to others who may feel lonely and unloved. Some of the loneliest people in the world may be orphans and widows. Does God give them His love?

"Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close" (Psalm 27:10, NLT).

"Father to the fatherless, defender of widows--
this is God, whose dwelling is holy" (Psalm 68:5, NLT).

My Part

God's unconditional love toward the unloved should be reflected in our own lives. It should not surprise you if the Lord evaluates how loving you are by your response to others.

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you" (James 1:27, NLT).

"This is real love--not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other" (1 John 4:10-11, NLT).

Ask the Lord to give you the assurance, again, that you are loved unconditionally. And ask Him to help you love with His kind of love.

[nChrist]

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Bible Minute by Woodrow Kroll

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Sep 14, 2009
Topic: Bible Characters


True Commitment

Those in her hometown who knew her said her life started going downhill the day she married one of the sons of an immigrant family. They thought she would come back to her senses when her husband died ten years after they were married. Fortunately, they thought, she had no children by the man. But, instead, she abandoned her family and ran off to a foreign country. She rejected the faith she was raised in. And she turned her back on those who called her friend.

This story sounds very contemporary; but, in fact, it's straight out of the Old Testament. It's the story of Ruth. And only the Bible can tell us the truth of what really happened in the life of this amazing woman.

What Does God Say?

Ruth grew up in the land of Moab, a country neighboring Judah. She married the son of an Ephrathite couple from Bethlehem who were now living in Moab. After a few years had passed, Ruth's father-in-law died; and a few years later, both her husband and her brother-in-law also died. When her mother-in-law, Naomi, decided to return to Bethlehem, Ruth had a choice to make.

Here's her choice: "'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you,'" Ruth said to Naomi, "'For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you'" (Ruth 1:16-17, ESV).

It's hard to picture this kind of commitment today. Ruth cared about Naomi so much that she was willing to turn away from everything she knew--her family, her friends, her faith. In her time living in Naomi's household, Ruth must have found something worth dedicating her life to. And judging by the words she used, it's just possible that Ruth had come to know and love the God of Israel as well.

Several hundred years later, Ruth's distant ancestor would demand the same kind of commitment from those who would follow Him. "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me'" (Luke 9:23, ESV).

We'll look some more at the words of Jesus in the next section.

My Thoughts

In addition to Luke 9:23-27, read also Luke 8:19-21 and Luke 9:57-62.

    * What are the potential costs of following Jesus?
    * What are the promised rewards?
    * Is Jesus saying that we shouldn't care about our friends and family? What is He saying?

My Part

Like the story in the opening, a lot of people won't understand your commitment to following Christ. In fact, they may miss the point entirely and assume you no longer care about them. This is where it will get hard. Pray daily for opportunities to show God's love to those in your life, and ask God to open their hearts to a relationship with Him.